Eleven, then Seven

M. and I were a half hour early to the hospital for the egg retrieval yesterday. We figured better early than late, especially since we had to go to the big city for retrieval. Everyone was really nice, and tried to put my worries to rest.

The first nurse took us back to our room, where I got to change into the lovely gown. We then went over some paper work and she started my IV. So far, so good. I was a little nervous, and she put me at ease, saying that most girls wake up ready to go out for lunch! Then anesthesia and the RE came in and we were ready to roll.

After stopping at the bathroom on the way to the OR, down the hall I went. I had to give my name and birth date, and then they situated me on the table. The last thing I remember in there was staring at the ceiling, waiting for the oxygen mask.

I was wheeled back to my room. M. was happy to see me and quickly told me that they had managed to get 11 eggs. My happiness was short lived, as I started feeling intense pressure and pain. After a shot of something and a pill, an hour later, my pain was better and I was deemed well enough to leave.

After our hour and a half ride home, which I blissfully slept through, I hung out on the couch. I was still really uncomfortable and finally broke down around 4 and took my ty.lenol with cod.ine that they prescribed me. I expected to be crampy, but this was different. My abdomen didn't hurt, it was more my chest and shoulders. M. and I joked that they must have kneed on my chest to hold my mobile ovary down! At least, I could still laugh at that point. The meds didn't touch my discomfort, but walking a little made me feel better.

By 9 o'clock last night I was in tears. The pressure in my chest and shoulders was unbearable. I remember crying to M., "I'm not okay. I'm not a wimp. What is wrong?" He kept trying to make me feel better by rubbing my shoulders or helping me walk around the coffee table. Laying down flat was torture. Finally, I managed to get into a reclined position in bed and fell asleep.

I'm still not myself today, but at least that awful pressure/pain is gone.

After talking to my nurse, I found out a little more about my procedure. She was upset that I didn't call last night, and made me promise I will, if I feel like that again. Apparently, the doctor had a lot of trouble with one of my ovaries, and I had a lot of bleeding during the procedure. He managed to get 9 follies out of one side, but could only safely get 2 out of the other. Now, I'm at a higher risk for O.H.S.S. because they had to leave a lot of follicles behind, I guess. Why can't my body be normal?

The good news is that out of the 11 eggs they retrieved, 8 were mature and 7 fertilized!

Tomorrow morning, I'll get the call on whether we'll do a 3 or 5 day transfer. In the meantime, I'm sucking down as much pow.era.de ze.ro and water as I can and taking it easy.

Seven has always been my "lucky" number, let's hope it comes through for me again!